Weekday afternoons in Yucaipa can feel endless, even if you’re just running errands. Some days, the heat makes everything shimmer, sometimes the desert breeze kicks up dust, the drive-thru lines stretch forever, and the only bright spot in your afternoon might come from a decent milkshake. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Sinking your teeth into a real burger will, at the very least, improve your day—and could potentially make you forget the heat.
Here are the ones worth driving across town for.
Farmer Boys
$ | (909) 790-7768 | WEBSITE
Farmer Boys has a very satisfying dining area that’s perfect for settling into a booth with a Bacon Boy combo and a burger that will drip all over the place. If you’re craving something heartier, this fast-food spot also serves breakfast burritos, zucchini fries, and the Hog Heaven Burrito with Heinz Taco Sauce.
B & C Taco Bar And Burger
$ | (909) 918-0195 | WEBSITE
On weekend evenings, the crowd at this family-owned eatery stretches like a conga line at a really good party. To skip the wait for a table, we recommend visiting B & C Taco Bar And Burger on a weekday afternoon instead.
Among the generous lineup of tacos and burgers on the menu, there are more substantial meals, like sizzling fajitas with peppers and onions, Pastor street tacos with pineapple and cilantro, and a hearty Family pack burger with all the fixings that easily beats anything slapped together at your local fast-food chain.
Lindo’s Diner
$ | (909) 795-4501 | WEBSITE
This Yucaipa diner was once a house. And even though no one lives here anymore and restaurant booths have taken over the main floor, it still feels extremely homey. The menu here is great across the board—like enchilada omelettes, customizable breakfast plates, and turkey melts. But you’ll find us elbows-deep in their hefty chicken chimichanga.
Shredded chicken, beans, and rice are wrapped into the crispy shape and served with a side of crispy fries, fresh salsa, and a dollop of guacamole that should immediately be smeared everywhere like a preschool art project.
Oak Glen Restaurant and Tavern
$ | (909) 790-1801 | WEBSITE
After a move from its iconic location, Oak Glen Restaurant and Tavern is still the exceptional rustic eatery we know and love. Slabs of steak are topped with pristine layers of blue cheese and seared to a juicy finish. Porkchops amplified with seasoning and char make thick cuts exciting. And generous baked potatoes have buttery fluff and crispy skin seared to a perfect texture. Yeah, you might have to pay a bit more for the experience, but that’s a small price to pay.
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius (Treat)
$ | (909) 790-3772 | WEBSITE
This Yucaipa treat spot from the Dairy Queen team proves that the fast-food veterans can also make excellent frozen desserts. Here, you’ll enjoy creamy Blizzards, tempting ice cream cakes, and Orange Julius drinks that rightfully draw crowds. They serve quick snacks and convenient drive-thru too, including friendly service from staff like Seth that’s damn reliable despite being a busy, on-the-go affair.
Rebels Burgers and Brew
$ | (909) 372-1401 | WEBSITE
The reimagining of this Yucaipa classic is a home run simply based on the nacho fries alone. We’re talking about things like perfectly seasoned crispy potatoes, melted cheese that stretches like taffy, and a flavor combination that crumbles like kinetic sand in your mouth. But that would be ignoring their double smash burger, a majestic stack of paper-thin beef patties cooked just before they get crispy, with cheese that oozes between the layers, all on a toasted bun.
Their Ole Fashion drink remains a favorite, alongside unique options like the blood orange beer and blueberry martini that stretch the imagination. The spacious, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both relaxing and enjoying a meal, with service that’s commendable even during busy times. This spot is a must-visit in Yucaipa, and it’s a great place to treat oneself or host an event.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (909) 790-9998 | WEBSITE
We love this family-friendly spot for its Western Bacon cheeseburger, but there’s so much more. The iced tea never disappoints, a sizzling grill is the afternoon soundtrack, and combo meals are always affordable. Ordering the waffle fries with jalapeno poppers is a necessary rite of passage. The tray is filled with crispy golden fries, perfectly seasoned poppers, and a juicy burger you could eat on its own.
Just get here when they open, because by lunchtime, the clean dining area already fills up underneath the iconic red and yellow sign.
Mega Burgers
$ | (909) 797-7922 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem of a burger joint specializes in satisfying American comfort food, in addition to a truly impressive Mexican menu that keeps things interesting. They use fluffy brioche buns as vehicles for juicy patties, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and the crowning glory: a generous portion of chili cheese fries that are pure indulgence. We’re talking an actual mountain of fries so loaded that, one time, a stray cheese pull stretched across the table and we’re not even mad about it.
No mess, no flavor, as they say. We’re also fans of their 3-pack deal with onion rings and zucchinis.
American Road Trip Bar & Grill
$ | (909) 797-7774 | WEBSITE
If you’re driving through Yucaipa around lunchtime, you’re probably either a local, a traveler, or you’ve heard about the solid burgers at American Road Trip Bar & Grill. This casual spot serves their hearty Memphis BBQ burger with classic sides like wings or cheese pizza, but also offers family-friendly options. The standout of the menu is the Memphis BBQ burger, which comes with perfectly cooked patties, fresh toppings, and that signature barbecue sauce.
These meals satisfy if you’re on a tight schedule, but you should really settle in and enjoy your burger with a cold drink from Manny the bartender.
Clarkie’s Diner
$ | (909) 795-3500 | WEBSITE
Clarkie’s Diner is the greatest thing to happen to breakfast since the sun first rose. This friendly spot in Yucaipa serves hearty breakfast meals with exceptional service, and we’re huge fans. The jalapeños sourdough bun on their breakfast sandwich is perfectly toasted with just the right kick, the country fried steak is cooked to golden perfection without being greasy or dry, and their coffee has a tremendous richness-to-smoothness ratio (try it with their streusel muffin).
You’re in great hands with anything involving their attentive staff, but the best reason to stop here is their must-try streusel muffin, complete with buttery crumble topping, perfectly-spiced cinnamon swirls, and the option to pair it with coffee (do it).
Five Guys
$ | (909) 918-0234 | WEBSITE
Five Guys in Yucaipa is one of the best burger joints in town. No need to worry about slow service or messy tables like at other spots—just walk in and get a perfectly cooked cheeseburger on your own schedule. (What a relief.) And for anyone craving the classic American burger experience, this is it. Five Guys serves extremely straightforward but consistently delicious cheeseburgers in a space that feels exactly like a well-run family restaurant.
There’s a juicy patty with melted cheese, a soft and fresh bun, and a satisfying crunch from the complimentary roasted peanuts that’s just as excellent loaded with toppings as it is in its simplest form.
Tams Burgers #28 Yucaipa
$ | (909) 790-7791 | WEBSITE
The sizzling patties of juicy beef at this Yucaipa counter are life-affirming, and yet, it’s not difficult to score one (for now). Tams Burgers’ steady line moves briskly, food arrives in under ten minutes, and the excellent breakfast options—featuring fluffy scrambled eggs—are not mere sideshows. There’s a beautiful satisfaction in hefty cheeseburgers piled with crisp lettuce and tomato, enjoyed at one of the tidy indoor booths inside.
But don’t overlook The Classic Quesadilla, a generous meal packed with melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and just enough jalapeños to wake up the taste buds.
Baker’s Drive-Thru
$ | (909) 906-3637 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in the Inland Empire is Baker’s Drive-Thru, a lively spot with a dual Mexican-American kitchen, bright signage, and classic rock tunes setting the vibe. There’s often a long wait at the drive-thru during peak hours, particularly since the place is a hit for quick meals and families. But order ahead on the app before 5pm to skip the lines.
The extensive menu (with items like taco burgers, chicken burritos, and vegetarian options) delivers the classics with plenty of flavor and hearty portions.